Egypt and the European Union co-chaired the 21st Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) Coordination Committee Meeting, under the auspices of Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, in Cairo. Over 150 senior officials and practitioners from more than thirty countries discussed future action to counter global terrorism threats. At the meeting, co-chairs Egypt and the European Union presented their vision for the strategic direction and objectives of the GCTF during their tenure (2023-2025). Central to this vision is a more action-oriented and responsive Forum, delivering value where it is most needed.

“We are honored to be hosting the first GCTF Coordinating Committee meeting co-chaired with the European Union, in which all parties underscored their collective commitment to continue fighting this global scourge. As Co-Chairs, we recognize the importance of driving global counterterrorism efforts and preventing and countering violent extremism conducive to terrorism, including through addressing the root causes of terrorism and countering terrorist narratives and ideologies. Throughout our tenure, Africa will be a key priority. We are determined, throughout our tenure, to focus our attention on new and emerging threats”, said Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Egypt.

“We are in Africa today, where the threat of terrorism is rapidly evolving, with global implications. Our message is clear: we must focus on tackling the scourge of terrorism across the continent and we must do so together with a wide range of actors from the ground – governments, communities, civil society. The EU is committed to assuring the GCTF is dynamic, action-oriented and remains fit-for-purpose. Africa is a strategic priority of our tenure as co-chair. We hope to engage and hear more from those directly affected and provide responses to the challenges they face. Embracing more African partners within the Forum would represent a key step in this direction.” said Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service.

During the event, Morocco formally handed over the Co-Chair to Egypt. The GCTF members expressed their gratitude to Morocco for its unstinting work over the past eight years as Co-Chair.